Our Work

This ranges from responding to simple requests for information through to setting up new benefit claims. On average, we support 170 individuals per year through appointments, home visits and drop-in sessions on the sites. To improve and maintain services and support from mainstream providers, we attend at least one network meeting per month.

We have support workers specifically covering the Cardiff and Vale area, and in 2021 we took on the support service covering Gwent (Newport, Torfaen and Blaeneu Gwent). We now offer support and tenancy to the community across South East Wales and are increasingly being asked for support from families across the whole of Wales.

We work closely with other organisations and services, cross referring clients, to ensure they get the best support from specialist advisors. We keep in regular contact where broader community-wide issues are explored. We advise and support public services, Welsh government and other third sector organisations to make sure the needs of Gypsies and Travellers are better understood and that they are included in policies and practices.

Over the last forty years we have worked closely with Local Authorities, Welsh Government and partners to influence changes to policies and processes for Gypsies and Travellers in Wales. Our funding from Moving For Change, awarded at the start of 2022 now means we have a dedicated Policy and Research Officer.

In 2017 we were awarded a five year grant from the Big Lottery to deliver employment and skills support. This funding was awarded again in 2022 and developed to evolve to the WEST project. We deliver this service to clients who present to us seeking support to enter employment or those who are looking to up-skill.  So far, we have supported people to improve their basic literacy and IT skills,  pass their driving theory and empower people to feel more confident to look for work. With the crisis around addressing mental health issue in the community, well-being is now included in this service. We hold several community engagement days throughout the year with activities for young people and adults, all designed with community members to build confidence, community resilience, learn new skills or just to be sociable and chat in a safe place over tea and cake.

In 2019 we re-launched our professional training. The first offering, ‘Working with Gypsies and Travellers’, has had more than 18 organisations attend over 6 sessions. So far we have charged all non-Cardiff Council employees just £25 per person to attend the half day training. We have also entered agreements to provide training to all Housing Options staff as part of their induction and have a reciprocal arrangement in place with RISE – Women’s Aid. From time to time we are asked to undertake specific consultancy work, for example to engage the community on local developments and new sites. .

Our training programme for professionals and third sector organisations “Working with Gypsies and Travellers” has been developed from the start with community members. We offer the sessions either online or in person and sessions can be tailored relevant to your organisation’s service. We have provided training to Housing Options staff at local authorities, Women’s Aid, Health Visitors and Children’s Teams from University Hospitals across South Wales, as well as others.

If you are interested in finding out more, or would like to book a training session, please contact our Office Manager Sofia.